Garmin nuvi 780 review

The Garmin nuvi 780 is the top of the line member of Garmin's nuvi 700 series. It adds a second generation MSN Direct receiver to the other high-end features new to the 700 series:

• Multi-destination routing
• Automatic sorting of multiple destinations to provide an efficient route
• Tracklog recording
• Speed limit display for many interstates and highways
• The newer internal antenna found on the nuvi 200 series
• Automatic marking of your last position when the unit is turned off (to help you find your car in mega-mall parking lots)
• A "Where am I" safety feature that gives your current location, nearest address, nearest intersection, along with quick access to POIs for the nearest hospitals, police stations and gas stations

The nuvi 760 has all the same features as the 780, minus the MSN Direct receiver (which is available as an optional add on for the 760 and other 700 series models).

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 780

Check out our Garmin nuvi comparison chart for more info on the nuvi 780 feature set.

More Garmin nuvi 780 reviews

• Several consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 780 reviews have been posted at GPS Now.
• Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 780 reviews have also been posted at Amazon.
• GPS Lodge has posted a detailed Garmin nuvi 780 review.
• GPS Magazine reviews the nuvi 780, giving it a 4.8 out of 5 star rating.
• About.com gives a 4 out of 5 star rating in their Garmin nuvi 780 review
• Boston.com compares the nuvi 780 to the Dash Express and TomTom 930.
• I'll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some...

Other Garmin nuvi 780 resources

• A PDF version of the Garmin nuvi 780 owners manual
• GPSInformation.net compares the nuvi 780 to the nuvi 680
• A nuvi 700 series message forum
• There is also a Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion
• Confused about the wide range of nuvi models? Check out this handy Garmin auto GPS comparison tool or use my own Garmin nuvi comparison chart
• An MSN Direct coverage map that allows you to search by zip code
• GpsPasSion compares the nuvi 780 to the TomTom GO 930T, in a cross-country trip

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 780 at these merchants:

• Find the low price on a Garmin nuvi 780 at GPS Now, where shipping is free on orders over $99 (and the upgrade to overnight shipping is dirt cheap!); order by 5 p.m. Central Time for same day shipment.
• Check the current Garmin nuvi 780 price at Amazon.
• Get the Garmin nuvi 780 Portable Bluetooth Automotive GPS System with MSN Direct at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250.
• Get the Garmin nuvi 780 for an amazing price on eBay.
• Check out our GPS deals site for current specials and rebates on a wide range of GPS receivers.
• Scroll down for more live price comparisons.

From the official Garmin nuvi 780 web page:

Go wide and get MSN Direct® with nuvi 780. This navigator has it all — advanced navigation features, a widescreen display, preloaded maps, an FM transmitter and hands-free calling — plus real-time local weather, traffic, movie times, stock information, gas prices and news and local events. Like the rest of the wide nuvi 700-series, its premium navigation capabilities, like route planning and a handy locator, give you peace of mind on the go.

Get Enhanced MSN Direct

With next-generation dynamic content from MSN Direct, nuvi 780 is one resourceful personal travel assistant. Using the included receiver and free trial service to MSN Direct, you can check the weather, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices, get enhanced movie listings, stock information, news and local events when you travel with your unit. Even plan trips from the convenience of your computer, via Windows Live Local, and wirelessly send locations to nuvi 780.

See More

With nuvi 780's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3-inch display is easy to read — from any direction.

Navigate With Ease

nuvi 780 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator® NT street maps and millions of points of interest (POIs) such as hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, ATMs and more. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nuvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. In addition, nüvi 780 accepts custom points of interest, such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs.

Where Am I?

Keep track of yourself and your car with nuvi 780. Just tap "Where Am I?" to find the closest hospitals, police stations, fuel stations, nearest address and intersection. Also see your exact latitude and longitude coordinates. nuvi 780 even remembers where you parked. It automatically marks your position when you remove it from the windshield mount, so you can navigate with nuvi on foot and find your way back to your vehicle. Perfect for unfamiliar spots and crowded lots such as amusement parks, stadiums and malls.

Plan Ahead

nuvi 780 includes advanced navigational features to take the worry out of traveling. With route planning you can save 10 routes, specify via points and preview simulated turns on the 780's wide screen. In addition, nuvi 780 automatically sorts multiple destinations to provide an efficient route for errands, deliveries or sales calls. It also displays speed limits for highways and Interstates. A trip log provides an electronic bread crumb trail of up to 10,000 points, so you can see where you've been on the map.

Make Hands-free Calls

Talk about worry-free driving. nuvi 780 integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker for hands-free calling. Just pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free through the 780 while staying focused on the road. Simply dial numbers with nuvi's touchscreen keypad to make a call. To answer calls, just tap the screen and speak directly into its built-in microphone.

Take It With You

nuvi 780's high-sensitivity internal (non flip-up) antenna gives it a sleeker, thinner design than the nuvi 600-series, making it easy to slip in your pocket or purse. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or on foot.

Go Beyond Navigation

Navigation is just the beginning. nuvi 780 includes many “must have” entertainment and travel tools including MP3 player, audio book player (subscription to Audible.com required), JPEG picture viewer, currency converters and more. With nuvi 780's wireless FM transmitter you can hear audio, including voice prompts, MP3s and audio books, through your vehicle's stereo. It's also compatible with optional FM traffic alerts and comes with Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map. Optional plug-in SD cards let you add additional features to enhance your travel experience including language  translation and detailed travel guides.

Related posts:

• Our GPS reviews
• Auto GPS buyers guide
• Top ten auto GPS

Comments

[Mark]

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[wincha]

my husband is thinking about purchasing the nuvi 780, but on the www.gpsnow.com website it says that that model is being discontinued. i called garmin but they said they had not heard that news. any thoughts?

[Rich Owings]

There's been no official word from Garmin on discontinuing the 700 series, but it wouldn't surprise me to hear that by spring. Even so, Garmin will continue to support them with firmware and map updates for years to come.